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The rule would amend the regulations in 46 CFR part 11 subpart B, which contain the general requirements for obtaining national and STCW officer endorsements. The rule would revise 46 CFR 11.201(h)(3) to provide mariners with the option of completing a modified Coast Guard approved basic firefighting course to meet the requirements for a national officer endorsement as master or mate of towing vessels on western rivers or inland waters. The rule would eliminate the need to complete training using certain firefighting equipment that is not required to be carried on towing vessels that operate on inland waters western rivers routes. The rule would also provide Coast Guard approved training providers with the opportunity to submit a course approval request for a modified basic firefighting course that eliminates training on equipment that is not required to be carried aboard towing vessels operating on inland waters and western rivers routes. This project would promote economic relief because mariners who take a modified Coast Guard approved basic firefighting course would be able to take a shorter and less expensive course than the basic firefighting course.